Rotary pump



Jan. .29, 1946. JOHNSON 2,393,690

ROTARY PUMP Original Filed Aug. 14, 1940 I INVENTOR.

1 I m .7 M55 P/rwvsow FIG. 2-

Pennan s. 29, 1946 Original application August 14, 1940, Serial No. 352,558. Divided and this application April 22, 1941, Serial No. 389,785

Claims. (01. 230-207) This invention relates to vacuum pumps of the rotary vane or blade type, especially adaptable for use on aircraft although not so restricted, and has for its primary object to .provide an improvedpump of this type which is simple and compact in constructiom'eiiicient in operation, and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

This application constitutes a division of my copending application Serial No. 352,558, filed August 14, 1940. Y Another object'of. the present invention is to provide an improved oil metering means in which the quantity of oil required for best lubrication of the relatively movable parts may be predeterminately effected.

A still further object of the present invention is to embody the oiling mechanism and metering device in the mounting flange thus simplifying the construction and materially increasing the efiiciency.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an oiling system capable of embodiment in many structures and it is not therefore to bein any manner restricted. with the objects above indicated, and'other objects hereinafter explained in view, my invention consists in the construction and combination openings provided in the flange i4 and are threadably secured in aligned openings provided in the adjacent portion of the housing for removably securing the cover. posed between the adjacent faces of the flange and housing to provide a fluid tight seal. A disc ll, of steel or other suitable material, is disposed at the inner end of the bore in abutting relation with the adjacent end wall l2 and is secured against displacement and relative rotation by a plurality of screws i8, the heads being bevelled and seated in countersunk openings in the disc to provide a smooth outer face. A sleeve iii, of steel or other suitable material, is disposed within the bore i I andhas its inner end in abutting relation with the adjacent face of the disc II. A disc 20, of steel or other suitable material and similar to the disc I1, is disposed at the outer of elements hereinafter described and claimed.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectiona view of a vacuum pump embodying the present invention. '1

'Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 2-2 in Figure 1 and showing further details of the pump'structure.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on line 3-4 in Figure 1 and showing the manner in which the reciprocated.

. In the drawing I have illustrated the invention embodied in a vacuum pump especially adapted for use on aircraft but other adaptations will be obvious to those skilled in the particular art.

oil metering plunger is I The pump comprises a housing it, of aluminum or other suitable light weight material, 'having.

a bore ll extending inwardly from one end thereof terminating adjacent an outer integral endlwall l2. The open end of the housing 10 is normally closed by a removable cover member it having a circular portion projecting into the open end for centrally positioning the cover member, the latter having. a laterally extending circumferential flange H disposed in abutting relation with the outer adjacent face of the housing. A plurality of bolts l5 project through end of the sleeve IS in abutment with the inner face of the cover member and secured, against displacement and relative rotation, to the latter by a plurality of screws 2|, the heads of which are, likewise, bevelled and seated in countersunk openings in the disc to aflord a smooth inner face.

The housing iii is provided with an interiorly tapped opening 21 communicating at its lower,

end with a passageway 28 on one side of the sleeve l9 and an'interiorly tapped opening 29 which communicates at its lower end with a passageway 30 disposed on the other side of the sleeve and opposite with respect to the passageway 28. The sleeve 18 is provided with a pair of openings 3| spaced apart relatively which extend transversely through one side thereof atlording communication between the passageway 28 and the sleeve bore. The sleeve is also provided with a pair of openings 32 spaced apart relatively which extend transversely therethrough affording communication between the passageway lli and the sleeve bore, the openings 3| and 12 being disposed in transverse alignment to aiford simple production.

The rotor 33 is of improved construction to afford proper balancing which materially increases the eiliciency of the pump and reduces wear. .The rotor 83 comprises a cylindrical body portion 34, of steel or other suitable material. having an inner end wall 35 adapted for runnin engagement with the inner face of the disc ii. The outer end of the body portion 84 is provided with a longitudinal extension 38 of reduced diameter and a circularmember 31, of steel or similar material, is disposed in abutment with the open end of the body portion functioning as an outer A gasket 16 is dispair of through blades, or"

wall for closing the open end. The member 3'! is provided with an inwardly extending marginal flange 80 in encircling relation about the reduced portion 36 and their faces are suitably welded, or otherwise secured, to provide a rigid unitary structure, the outer face of the member 31 having a running engagement with the inner face of the disc 20 as more clearly shown in Figure 1. The rotor 33 is eccentrically mounted within the bore 22 so as to have a close running engagement with the upper working face 23 of the bore between the openings 27 and 29, the axis of the rotor being disposed in the same transverse plane which passes through the radii centers efifectins the faces of the bore.

To effect a further ltlalan the rotor a or other suitable material, are employed which c shorty novel struc asaacao tural and assembly features. he rotor 33 is psovided with longitudinally riding slots on diametrically opposite sides hich are coextensive with the rotor body and end walls as more clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2. The rotor 33 is further provided with a pair of like lonsit dinally extending slots 30 on diametrically opposite sides which are co-extensive with the rotor body and end walls, the slots 39 and til being relatively spaced apart angularly, preferably at right angles as shown in Figure 2. Through blades are slidably disposed in the respective pairs of slots 39 and 40 and each comprises a pair of identical half sections arranged in cooperative relation as more clearly shown in Figure 1. Inasmuch as the half sections of the through blades are of identical construction a detailed description of one section is believed to suffice and comprises a relatively flat thin substantially I-shaped section 4|, the connecting web 42 of which is slightly oil'set from but substantially parallel with a vertical plane passing through the center of the flanges as viewed in Figure 1. By arranging two of such sections 4| with their flanges in longitudinal alignment and their inner sides in abutting relation and the connecting webs 42 nearer to the outer sides of the short flanges, one

. through blade is provided. The other through blade comprises a pair of sections similarly arranged but with their connecting webs 42' disposed inwardly of the connecting webs 42 on the first through blade, the outer sides of the longer flanges being in transverse alignment with the adjacent sides of the shorter flanges. The pair of g through blades thus assembled are mounted withthe'respective pairs of slots and in the rotor and having their outer longitudinal edges in running engagement with the peripheral wall of the sleeve bore at diametrically opposite points while the outer sides of the blades are adapted for running engagement with the adjacent faces of the disc I! and 20 respectively.

The rotor 33 is rotatably mounted anti-frictionally at its opposite ends in any suitable manner, such as shown in the drawing wherein an integral extension '43 is formed at its inner end and projects axially outwardly therefrom. The inner race 44 of a ball bearing assembly is securely mounted on the adjacent extension 43 and the outer race 45 is securely mounted in a bore 46 provided in the adjacent face of the wall. A plurality of balls 41 are disposed between the inner and outer races and secured in a well known manner. The outer end of the rotor 33 is also provided with an integral extension 48 projecting axially outwardly therefrom and the inner race as of a ball bearing assembly 50 is securely mounted thereon. The outer race Si is securely mounted within an oil retaining sleeve 52 secured in a bore 53 formed on the inner adjacent side of the cover member IS. A plurality of balls 54 are disposed between the inner and outer races and secured in a well known manner. The outer end of the extension 48 is formed with atootlied pinion 55 adapted for connection with a flexible drive coupling 58, forming no part of the present invention but which may be like that disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,356,322 dated August 22, 1944.

ing outwardly flared portion 57 integral with the I flange it and terminates in a laterally extending lar instrumentality requiring a supply of air for just that required for best operating purposes beits operation The rotor operates at high speeds, usually around 3,000 R. P. M., if the discharged air is connected with a de-icer and-test runs probably reach' 5,000 B. P. M. Inasmuch as the pump handles air which has not lubricating qualities it is essential thatthe relatively movable parts of the pump be suitably lubricated and the quan- I tity of lubricant should be controlled to supply cause too much lubricant is, likewise, detrimental to the most efficient operation. Any suitable mean may be employed for lubricating the rela- '.tively movable parts of the pump but'one embodying novel features is shown inth'e drawing. The attaching flange ,58 is provided with a plurality of openings 60 at its attaching-face which are disposed angularly in difl'erent radial positions to adapt the flange 'for mounting on the engine pad in such a manner that one of the openings 60 will align with the oil passageway provided in the pad aflording communication with the oil reservoir in the engine housing. These openings 60 are connected, by passageway 6012 with an oil groove 01 provided in the cover member and encircling the sleeve 52 as more clearly shown in Figure 1. A passageway 62 is formed in the cover member and connects the oil groove 0| with a bore 63 formed at the lower end of the cover member.

A plunger 04 is slidably mounted in an openin provided in the cover member and its outer end is adapted for engagement with the adjacent end of the extension 48 on the rotor. The outer end of the extension is provided with a flattened surface 88 adapted to contact the outer end of the plunger during rotation of the rotor for effecting reciprocation of the plunger. The lower end of the plunger is provided with a reduced end 06 the 'dimeter of which with respect to the diameter of the opening in which it reciprocates controls the quantity of lubricant permitted to pass thereby from the inner end of the bore 88. An opening 01, of relatively small size, extends from the lower end of the plunger to the disc 20 which has an aligned opening 88 affording passage of the lubricant to the interior of the pump chamber. The outer end of the bore 83 is lnteriorly tapped to receive a screw threaded plug 69 for normally closing the same and a coiled spring 10 has its outer end disposed in a. central bore provided in the plug and its inner end seated upon the lower end of the plunger for normally urging the.

The cover member It has a rearwardly extend-,

proximately flity pounds, .is supplied from the engine through. one of the openings 6| where it passes to the oil groove ll. From there it passes through the passageway 82 tothe bore 63 and upwardly around the reduced end "of the plunger. The rotor, of course, is rotating and as it does so the flattened face 85 engages the outer end of the plunger and rapidly reciprocates the same thus eil'ecting a'pumping action forcing the proper 'asoaooo o! the extension. Oil under pressure, of apamount of lubricant through the opening 61 to the pump chamber. As previously stated, the quantity of oil is determined by the relative diameter of the lower end 68 of the plunger and the opening in which it reciprocates and this may be-varied as desired. By having the plunger reciprocate any tendency for the passageways to clog up and thereby change the proper quantity of lubricant is eliminated.

In the operation of the pump it should be first pointed out that the construction is such that the pump 'may be operated in either direction without the necessity of changing any of the P rts. With the rotor rotating in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 2, the opening 21 becomes the inlet opening and is suitably connected to the vacuum actuated instruments in a well known manner. In this line, there should be the usual relief valve for maintaining the suction desired irrespective of flying-conditions. The outlet opening 29 is suitably connected, as stated before, with a de-icer or is discharged to the slip stream and in this line there should be the usual safety valve and an oil separatorior separating the oil from the air and means operatively associated with said plunger tor yieldably maintaining engagement between the cooperating portions of said plunger-and extension; a second passageway in'said housing attordius c mmunication between said oil groove and said bore at a point adjacent the outer end or said plunger; and a third passageway in said housing aflording communication between said bore at a point inwardly of the outer end of said plunger and the interior of said pump chamber. the outer end of said plunger being, provided with means in predeterminately spaced relation from the outer adjacent end oi. said third passageway to afford flow of lubricant. in metered quantities through the latter passageway for lubricating the relatively movable parts of said rotor. i

2. A lubricating means for rotary pumps 01 the typehaving a housing formed with a pump chamber and an eccentrically disposed rotor provided with sliding vanes contacting the pump chamber wall, the rotor having extensions projecting axi-' I ally outward on diametrically opposite endsrotatably mounted in adjacent portions 01' the housing; a continuous enclosed oil groove formed in said housing and disposed in encircling spaced relation with respect to one of said rotor extensions; a passageway in said housin aii'ording communication between a source of oil under vpressure and said groove; a plunger slidably mounted in a bore in said housing and having its inner end operatively engageable with an eccentric portion on the groove encircled rotor extension ior eilecting, through rotation of the latter," reciprocation of said plunger; resilient 1 means operatively associated with said plunger ,ior yieldably maintaining engagement between plunger; and a third passageway in said housing of rotation of the rotor. By the use of equal diameters informing the pump bore a greater displacement is provided than is possible with other ypes of bores now in common use. Due to the balanced condition of the rotor andrblades, by

their special construction-and cooperative relation, vibrations are reduced to a negligible extent.

While I have described the preferred embodiment of the invention it is to be understood that I am not to be limited thereto inasmuch as changes and modificationsv may be resorted'to without departing from the spirit oi the inventionas defined in the appended claims. a

What is claimed is: I 1. A lubricating means tor rotary pumps of the type having a housing formed with a pump'chamber and an eccentrically disposed rotor provided with sliding vanes contacting the pump chamber wall, the rotor having extensions projecting axially outwardly on diametrically opposite ends rotatably mounted in adjacent portions 01' the housing; a substantially continuous enclosed 'oil groove formed in said housing and disposed in encircling spaced relation with respect to one 01' said rotor extensions; a passageway in said housing ail'ording communication between 'a source oi oil under pressure and said groove; a plunger 70 mounted in said housing and operatively associ-- slidably mounted in a bore-in said housing and having its inner end operatively engageable with affording-communication between said bore at a point inwardly of the outer end of said plunger and the interior oi'said pump chamber, the outer end 01' said plunger being provided with a portion oi reduced diameter in predeterminately spaced relation from the outer adjacent end or said third passageway to aiiord flow of lubricant in metered quantities throughthe latter passageway for lubricating the relatively movable parts 0! said rotor.

i 3. A lubricating means for rotary pumps of the type having a housing formed with a pump chamber and an eccentrically disposed rotor provided with sliding vanes contacting the pump chamber wall, the rotor having extensions pro- Jecting axially outward on diametrically opposite ends rotatably mountedin adjacent. portions oi the housing: a continuous enclosed oilgroove formed in said housing and disposed in encircling spaced relation with respect to one of said rotor extensions; 0. eway in said housing aflordins communiaction between a' source of oil under pressure and said groove: a plunger slidably mounted in a bore in said housing and having its inner end operatively engageable with an eccentric portion on said groove encircled rotor extension for eflecting,,through rotation of the latter. reciprocation of said plunger; resilient means latter, reciprocation oi said plunger; resilient said oil grooveand said here adjacent the outer said housing affording communication between said bore at a point inwardly o! the outer end of said plunger and the interior of said pump chamber, the outer end of said plunger being provided with a portion of reduced diameter in predeterminately spaced relation from the outer adjacent end of said third passageway to afford flow of lubricant in metered quantities through the latter passageway for lubricating the relatively movable parts of said rotor;

4. A lubricating means for rotary pumps of the type having a housing formed with a pump chamher and an eccentrically disposed rotor provided with sliding vanes contacting the chain ber wall, the rotor having extensio; axially outward on. diametricaiiy o ends rotatably mounted in adjacent per one oi the housing; a continuous enclosed oil giro-ave formed in said housing and disposed in encircling-spaced relation with respect to one of rotor extensions; a passageway in said housing aiiording communication between source of oil under pressure and said groove; a plunger slidably mounted in a bore in said housing and having its inner end oper'atively engageabie with the groove encircled rotor extension, said extension having a flattened face cooperatively engageable with the adjacent end 0! said plunger for effecting, through rotation of the latter extension, reciprocation of said plunger; resilient means mounted in said housing and operatively associated with the outer end of said plunger for yieldably maintaining the inner end in engagement with said rotor extension; a secondassageway in said housing affording communication between said foil groove and said bore adjacent the outer end of said plunger; and a third passageway in said housing affording communication between saidbore at a point inwardly of the outer end of said plunger and the interior of said pump chamber, the outer end of. said plunger being provided with a portion of reduced diameter in predeterminately spaced relation from the outer adjacent rejecting lubricant in metered quantities through the latter passageway for lubricating the relatively movable parts of said rotor.

5. A lubricating means for rotary pumps of the type having a housing formed with a pump chamber closed at one end by a detachable cover member and an eccentrically disposed rotor provided with sliding vanes contacting the pump chamber wall, the rotor having extensions projecting axially outward on diametrically opposite ends rotatably mounted in adjacent portions of the housing and cover member respectively, said cover member being provided with a transverse opening the surrounding wall of which is provided with a continuous oil groove disposed in encireling spaced relation with respect to one of said rotor extensions; a sleeve secured in said transverse opening and adapted to close the ad jacent side of said groove; a passageway in said cover member affording communication between a source of oil under pressure and said groove;

a plunger slidably mountedin a bore in said 7 cover member and, having its inner end operatively engageable with an eccentric portion on the groove encircled rotor extension, for efi'ect ing, through rotation of the latter, reciprocation of said plunger; resilient means mounted ir} said cover member and operatively associated with the outer end of said plunger for yieldably maintaining the inner end in engagement with said rotor extension; 9. second passageway in said cover member affording communication between said oil groove and said bore adjacent the outer end of said plunger; and a third passageway in said cover member affording communication between said bore at a point inwardly of the outer end of said plunger and the interior of said pump chamber, the outer end of said plunger being providedwith a portion of reduced diameter in 40 predeterminately spaced relation from the outer I end of said third passageway to aflord flow of 5 adjacent end or said third passageway to afford flow of lubricant in metered quantities through the latter passageway for lubricating the relatively movable parts of said rotor.

JAMES P. JOHNSON. 

